If you enjoy political dramas I highly recommend House of Cards. This is a Netflix original series with 13 episodes and its captivating. It's hard to suck me into a tv show... And this one grabbed me from the beginning. Kevin Spacey plays the lead and shines as always.

I added it to my list when it first came out. I have been playing catch-up on quite a few things lately, so I haven't seen a single episode. I do think Spacey is a very good actor, and it's what compelled me towards it. I'm glad to hear such good reviews of it so far. Can't wait to delve into this one.

Anyone know a time frame for the next "season" or is this just going to be a single run, or are they waiting to see how well it's received before moving into the next part?

“You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time”

There is a 2nd season confirmed with Spacey signed on, (he signed up for two in the beginning) but no ETA as to when it will come. I absolutely love the fact that all the episodes came out simultaneously, as that is how I always watch my shows; wait 6 freaking months until the show's season is over, then watch it all at once over the space of a few days. Way better, that way. I hope they come out with season 2 later this year.

I might not be quite as enamored as some of you, but I liked it. It's not upper echelon quality television, but it's quite good and also solid all the way through. Spacey was predictably great, but I think Russo stole the show. Maaaaaaaan that dude.

One thing I found peculiar was how little, if at all, large passing of time between episodes would be acknowledged. I'd wonder how certain people are listening to Spacey come up with another crackpot plan so soon after the last, then realize that it's been quite a chunk of time within the show. Just an odd experience when paired with the dumping of a whole season on our platter at once to inspire binge viewing.

Pink, can you elaborate on what you think prevents this from being an upper-echelon show? I think the production value was very high on this in a variety of ways, personally. Certainly better than plenty of what airs on CBS/NBC/etc.

I like all of the episodes being released at the same time because it really helps you follow the plot. There were so many details in shows like 24 and Lost where I'd forget important moments or characters from earlier in the show ans wouldn't see the important connections later on. Not with this show in this format. I'm a journalist by trade so I find the character of Zoe fascinating. First I'd never go to the lengths and make the ethical compromises she does to get a story but it's interesting to see her personal conflict rise as the season reached its end point. When you cut corners you can burn hot and fast but will flame out quickly. As I covered politics for five years and with that my fair share of corruption I could empathize with her moral dilemma as I too have had facts dropped in my lap, but to put them out there would burn a source or put me into the story. It's a fine line to walk and few people can do it well.

As for the Robin Wrights character... she is very interesting as well. Being the wife of a powerful congressman with her own agenda. But betray her husband's trust for the sake of clean drinking water for children in Africa. That was a calculated risk. She's so close to Francis but their relationship doesn't feel at all loving... more that of business partners. I'm curious how she will respond when she eventually learns of Francis' role in the death of Russo. Will she stand by her husband or leave him to return to her lover in NY?

As for the filming and pacing of time... I appreciate them jumping forward by weeks and months to push the plot forward. Politics is a slow business and to jump over the mundane and get to the heart of the story is refreshing.

RolandDeschain wrote:Pink, can you elaborate on what you think prevents this from being an upper-echelon show? I think the production value was very high on this in a variety of ways, personally. Certainly better than plenty of what airs on CBS/NBC/etc.

Oh, by upper echelon I meant that kind of elite upper crust of Sopranos/Mad Men/Wire type shows that push the viewer. It definitely has a feel of being tailor made for the audience without really being a challenging show, nothing wrong with that. If it were on CBS/NBC/etc. it'd easily be the best show on those networks. I didn't mean it as a particularly bad thing, just that I maybe thought it'd be a little more with Fincher, Space, etc. all involved. Still a very good show.